Benzoyl Peroxide Acne Ingredient Overview

Many people around the world suffer from acne, with cases ranging from mild outbreaks to serious acne problems affecting men and women of all ages. There are a number of treatments that have been discovered in recent years, and the different chemicals and compounds that have been designed in recent years to help clear acne from the skin have become increasingly effective. One of the most commonly prescribed treatments for acne is benzoyl peroxide, and many dermatologists recommend benzoyl peroxide as a solution for helping to clear up serious breakouts of acne.

Over the counter medications like ProActiv and Clearasil contain benzoyl peroxide as the ingredient that is active, and benzoyl peroxide has been proven to be an effective anti-acne treatment for many years. In fact, benzoyl peroxide was one of the very first treatments that were discovered to be an effective chemical to treat acne with, and it is still popular and very successful in treating serious acne problems in both teenagers and adults.

There are many things that have benzoyl peroxide as their active ingredient, and the variety of over the counter medications, creams, ointments, lotions, gels, and cleaners is extensive. The cost of these treatments is usually fairly economical, and there are a number of generic and name brand pharmaceutical products containing benzoyl peroxide that are easily available in the average pharmacy.

All products with benzoyl peroxide work in the same way, and are usually the first products to be recommended by doctors to people who suffer from acne. The benzoyl peroxide works in a simple way:

• The bacteria that causes acne to breakout on the skin, propionibacteria acne, attacks the skin and causes the acne to break out
• The P. acne bacteria is unable to survive in an environment that contains a high quantity of oxygen
• Benzoyl peroxide introduces high levels of oxygen into the pores of the skin
• The high levels of oxygen cause the numbers of P. acne to be killed off and reduced
• Reducing the number of P. acne bacteria in the pores reduces the chance of an acne attack

This is a simple method that is very effective for killing acne, and benzoyl peroxide is one of the best ways to control an outbreak of acne thanks to its properties.

Another way that benzoyl peroxide helps reduce acne is by helping the skin cleanse the hair follicles of any buildups of skin cells that are dead. Getting rid of this kind of cellular debris from the skin pores is a very important part of reducing the risk of acne breakouts, and using benzoyl peroxide will help prevent the P. acne bacteria from having a pleasant environment in which to flourish

Most of the time you can simple walk into your local pharmacy and ask the clerk for a product with benzoyl peroxide to help you with your acne problems. If you have a serious problem with acne, you may need a dermatologist to prescribe you a stronger medication to help clear up your skin.

For mild cases of acne, you can use a gel, cream, or lotion that contains benzoyl peroxide  of roughly 2.5 percent strength. If you use a greater amount of this ingredient in a lotion, it may be more effective but it may also irritate your skin. If you start with a weaker treatment it will give your skin a chance to get used to the benzoyl peroxide in the cream.

Usually you simply apply the benzoyl peroxide cream or gel to your skin gently in a thin layer and let it sit for a few minutes. You should always cleanse and dry your skin very thoroughly in order to ensure that the benzoyl peroxide has the best chance of taking effect. You will need to ensure that every area of skin affected by acne has some benzoyl peroxide applied to it, and you should be sure to cover each area properly. Make sure that your clothes, sheets, towels do not get ruined by benzoyl peroxide. Make sure to let the gel or cream dry completely before getting in bed.

There are a couple of potential side effects, such as flaking or very dry skin. There is also the risk of the skin reddening deeply, and you may feel a burning sensation on your skin or develop a rash. If these side effects develop, you should visit your dermatologist as soon as possible.